Casting jig for chair-side manufacture of customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps

ABSTRACT

Casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in manufacture of anatomical healing caps. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. Each respective anatomical healing cuff body negative shape includes an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that an anatomical healing cuff body having said shape is configured to provide substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged or should have emerged from the void (e.g., in the case of a congenitally missing tooth). The casting jig may further include a socket at a distal end of each well that is configured to releasably receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to casting jigs and associated methods for manufacturing healing caps or cuffs used in any stage of oral surgery where a tooth is extracted or missing. Such an example of oral surgery includes first stage oral surgery, for example, when an implant is initially placed into a tooth void (e.g., whether the tooth is extracted or was congenitally or otherwise missing). The inventive healing caps or cuffs may also be used in any other dental surgery where it is desired to preserve the emergence profile of gingival tissue surrounding one or more teeth (e.g., second stage surgery, immediate or delayed implant placement, etc.).

2. Background and Relevant Art

In modern dentistry, when one or more teeth are removed it is desirable to eventually replace the tooth or teeth with a prosthesis (e.g., a crown, bridge, etc.), although this is typically accomplished weeks later. Once the tooth is removed or missing, a dental implant is placed into the bone tissue of the jaw to provide a secure foundation upon which a prosthesis can be supported. Typically, the site is allowed to heal for a period of time prior to installation of the permanent prosthesis. Currently, a device known as a healing cap, abutment, or cuff is coupled into the dental implant while the site is allowed to heal, to cap or cover the inside of the dental implant and to preserve the ability to re-access the dental implant once the site has sufficiently healed, when it is desired to install a prosthesis. Once the site has healed (e.g., typically 1.5 to 6 months after implant placement), the healing cap, abutment, or cuff is removed, and a custom prosthesis (e.g., a crown) may be installed, supported by the dental implant anchored within the jaw bone.

Existing dental healing caps, abutments, or cuffs, as well as the methods employed in their installation during immediate or subsequent dental placement and oral surgery exhibit several shortcomings. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide for the ability of a practitioner to manufacture his or her own healing caps exhibiting improved characteristics.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in chair-side or small-scale manufacture of customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps by a practitioner for installation into a patient. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. Each respective anatomical healing cuff body negative shape includes an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that an anatomical healing cuff body having said shape is configured to provide a substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged or should have emerged from the void (e.g., in the case of a congenitally missing tooth). The casting jig may further include a socket at a distal end of each well that is configured to releasably receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog.

A related method of manufacture may include providing a casting jig (e.g., as described above). A dental implant or dental implant analog may be releasably received within a corresponding socket of the casting jig. A curable or otherwise settable material is introduced into the well of the casting jig (e.g., while in a flowable state), which material is allowed to set or cure so as to become rigid or hard. Upon setting or curing, the resulting rigid material is in the shape of an anatomical healing cuff body having the desired asymmetrical cross-section and irregular surface so that the anatomical healing cuff body is configured to provide substantially custom filling of at least the emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged or should have emerged. The cured or set rigid anatomical healing cuff body can be easily removed from the casting jig for subsequent installation into a dental implant which is in the jaw of a patient. In one embodiment, the practitioner may further customize the anatomical healing cuff body by applying additional material thereto or removing material therefrom (e.g., immediately prior to installation).

A related kit for use in manufacture of customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps may include a casting jig (e.g., as described above) and a curable or otherwise settable material for introduction into a well of the casting jig to form an anatomical healing cuff body of an anatomical healing cap. Such a material may be flowable prior to setting or curing, so as to allow its easy introduction into the well prior to becoming rigid as a result of curing or setting.

Because the emergence portion of the various tooth positions are not identical to one another (but they do remain substantially the same from one person to another person when considering the same tooth position), different customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps can be provided for the various tooth positions, which differ in the particular configuration of the enlarged cuff body of the respective healing cap. Use of such anatomical healing caps greatly improves the ability of the practitioner to preserve desirable aesthetic characteristics of the gingival tissue surrounding the location of the dental implant and associated crown or other prosthesis.

Furthermore, the presently described casting jigs and associated kits and methods allow a practitioner to manufacture such anatomical healing caps himself or herself, e.g., within one's own office. This may allow the practitioner to reduce costs associated with purchase of expensive state of the art healing caps, while providing a superior product which provides an anatomical, improved fit for better preservation of the gingival tissue.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary upper dental arch;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the dental arch of FIG. 1A in which a central incisor has been removed, leaving a void;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the dental arch of FIG. 1B in which a dental implant surgical drill is used to prepare an anchor hole in the underlying bone for anchoring a dental implant;

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the arch of FIG. 1C as an implant is being inserted (e.g., with the aid of a transfer coping);

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the arch and into the void showing the implant anchored into the bottom of the void;

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the arch showing a state of the art healing cuff coupled into the implant;

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary anatomical healing cap configured for filling the emergence portion of the void formed when an upper central incisor is removed or is missing;

FIG. 2B is an assembled perspective view of the anatomical healing cap of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of the anatomical healing cap of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a top view of the anatomical healing cap of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view through the anatomical healing cap of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2F is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2B, but showing an alternative configuration at the distal dental implant end;

FIG. 2G is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2B, but showing another alternative configuration at the distal dental implant end;

FIG. 2H is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 2B, but showing an alternative configuration including a removable grippable handle;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view showing a related system including an anatomical healing cap and an associated temporary crown form;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the system of FIG. 3A with the temporary crown form coupled over the anatomical healing cap;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a portion of the cuff body of the healing cap being customized by removal with a dental burr;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the cuff body being customized by building up with application of a dental material;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the arch of FIG. 1E in which an anatomical healing cap has been coupled into the implant, leaving no gap between the cuff body of the healing cap and the gingival tissue surrounding the emergence portion of the void;

FIG. 4D is another perspective view of the arch of FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4E is another perspective view of the arch of FIG. 4C in which a temporary crown has been formed over the healing cap;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary casting jig for manufacturing anatomical healing caps;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the casting jig of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but in which the dental implant analog and the implant housing have been removed from the socket below the well of the casting jig;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing positioning of an elongate body (e.g., a straw, an implant wrench, a temporary abutment, etc.) into the recessed connection of the implant or implant analog and introduction of the curable or otherwise settable material around the elongate body so as to form an anatomical healing cuff body while preserving access through the cuff body to the implant or implant analog;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view through the casting jig of FIG. 8 as the anatomical healing cap is being formed;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view through the casting jig of FIG. 8 in which a temporary abutment is used as a core around which the anatomical healing cap is being formed;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view through the casting jig of FIG. 8 in which a temporary abutment having a lower profile than that of FIG. 9B is used as a core around which the anatomical healing cap is being formed;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the anatomical healing cap manufactured using the casting jig next to the associated implant analog;

FIG. 11 is a view of an anatomical healing cap formed using the casting jig and a coupling screw as the elongate body; and

FIG. 12 is a view of a pontic configured similar to the anatomical healing caps formed using the casting jig, but which does not include a central access channel 138 or locking structure 150.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction

One problem with conventional healing caps and related methods of oral surgery is that those features of the gingiva that provide much of the characteristic natural aesthetic appearance of natural teeth and adjacent gum tissue are almost always lost once a tooth is pulled and replaced with a prosthesis. In particular, the gingival tissue surrounding the crown of a natural tooth where it emerges (i.e., its emergence profile) is lost during such procedures.

The gingival cuff refers to the generally scalloped pattern of the gingival tissue that is most prominently seen along the buccal surface of the teeth. The height of contour of the gingival cuff refers to the difference between the most occlusal extension of the gingiva (i.e., between teeth) as compared to its location at the center of a tooth. Generally, the height of contour of the gingival cuff is greatest at a location between two adjacent teeth. In other words, the location of the gingival cuff extends occlusally to its greatest extent at this location between the teeth. At a location corresponding to a buccal center face of a tooth, the location of the gingival cuff exhibits its lowest occlusal extension.

When a natural tooth is pulled and eventually replaced with a custom crown or other prosthesis, much of the dynamic range of the previous height of contour is lost because the gingival tissue between adjacent teeth recedes, and is lost.

Gingival tissue disposed between adjacent teeth is often referred to as the interdental papilla. This tissue resides between the void resulting from the pulled tooth and the adjacent remaining tooth. As a result of the loss of the tooth, the interdental papilla may atrophy and fill the void over time. As a result, much of the interdental papilla tissue, particularly the initial and desirable aesthetic characteristics of this tissue, also tends to be lost upon removal of the natural tooth.

At the extreme gingival edge of the gingival cuff there is gingival tissue that overlies the underlying jaw bone. This gingival tissue typically exhibits a prominence in the buccal direction (i.e., it sticks out or protrudes bucally) and is often referred to as buccal prominence. While the gingival tissue over this bony tissue is not necessarily lost, the prominence by which the tissue sticks out bucally is typically lost when a natural tooth is pulled.

The present invention is directed to devices, kits, and methods allowing small-scale manufacture of customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps, allowing the practitioner to chair-side manufacture the needed anatomical healing caps for use with any given patient. Because the healing caps anatomically match the given tooth position where they are placed, they provide custom filing of at least the emergence portion of the void resulting from removal of a selected tooth (or where a tooth should be in the case of a congenitally missing tooth). Because of the anatomical features of the healing cap, use of the healing cap advantageously allows the practitioner to better preserve the desirable aesthetic features of the gingival tissue surrounding and associated with natural teeth.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate an upper dental arch, as well as typical steps employed in removal of a tooth, installation of an implant, and placement of a state of the art healing cuff or cap. For example, FIG. 1A shows a person's upper dental arch 100 including central incisors 102. Also apparent in FIG. 1A is the gingival cuff 104 where the natural teeth emerge from the gingival tissue, and the typical height of contour where the highest contour H₂ is between two adjacent teeth, while the lowest contour or point along the gingival cuff is H₁, at the center of the buccal face of the teeth. The difference H between H₂ and H₁ represents the height of contour associated with the natural teeth and gingival cuff prior to removal of the natural tooth.

In addition to the gingival cuff, a buccal prominence 106 is associated with the gingival edge of gingival cuff 104, disposed gingivally relative to the crown of each respective tooth (e.g., labeled buccal prominence 106 corresponds to tooth 102). FIG. 1B shows the dental arch 100 after central incisor 102 has been removed, leaving a void 108 once occupied by the root of tooth 102. The top or most gingival portion of void 108 is the emergence portion 110 of void 108, whose contours are defined by the shape of the emergence portion of the tooth 102, just below the crown portion of the tooth. Also apparent in FIG. 1B is the interdental papilla 112.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the void 108 is prepared to receive a dental implant 114 by drilling into the bone tissue of the underlying jaw bone at the bottom of void 108, after which a dental implant 114 may be inserted therein, as shown in FIG. 1D-1E. FIG. 1D shows a transfer coping 115 or similar structure being used to aid in seating the implant 114 into void 108. FIG. 1E illustrates a view down into void 108 once dental implant 114 has been fully seated within the prepared underlying bony tissue (and transfer coping 115 has been uncoupled from implant 114). Much of the lower portion of void 108 may be filled by dental implant 114, while the emergence portion 110 remains unfilled. FIG. 1F shows installation of a state of the art healing cap or cuff 116, which couples into dental implant 114. Healing cap or cuff 116 is typically provided in various sizes, each of which is cylindrical (e.g., each of a different diameter and/or height). A healing cap or cuff is selected from the available sizes and coupled into dental implant 114. Healing cap or cuff 116 may remain in place for several weeks (e.g., 1.5 to 6 months) while the site heals. As shown in FIG. 1F, because the healing cap or cuff 116 is not anatomically shaped to fill the emergence portion 110 of void 108, gaps 118 remain between healing cap or cuff 116 and the gingival walls defining emergence portion 110. Placement of the healing cap or cuff 116 may be the end of what is termed the first stage procedure. It will be understood that while described in terms of various stages, healing caps or cuffs 116 may be placed in various other oral surgery procedures (e.g., second stage, immediate placement, subsequent placement, etc.). Similarly, the inventor's anatomical healing cap devices, systems and methods may be employed in various oral surgery procedures (e.g., during a first or second stage procedure, in an immediate placement procedure, in a delayed placement procedure, or in any other appropriate oral surgery procedure). The greatest benefit may be obtained where the anatomical healing cap devices are placed immediately or soon after placement of the implant, so that the gingival tissue is immediately supported, and loss of desired gingival tissue features is minimized.

By way of example, in a subsequent second stage procedure, after a healing period of at least several weeks, the person may return to the practitioner's office, the healing cap or cuff 116 may be removed, and a permanent prosthesis may be installed by coupling into implant 114. During the healing period, the gingival tissue surrounding healing cap or cuff 116 progressively adapts to the shape provided by healing cap or cuff 116, collapsing into, growing into, or otherwise filling gaps 118. In addition, the height of contour of the gingival cuff tends to be compressed (i.e., reduced) as the tissue between adjacent teeth recedes, the interdental papilla fall or otherwise fill gaps 118, and the buccal prominence 106 recedes so as to be less prominent bucally. As a result, the emergence profile and other desirable gingival features are compromised. At this stage, even if one were to install a crown or other prosthesis that were a perfect match to the natural tooth, including the subgingival emergence portion, it is often too late to recapture the prior characteristics of the surrounding gingival tissue, which have been lost. Furthermore, when installing such a prosthesis at this later stage, the gingival tissue that has grown into gaps 118 is often cut away or compressed in order to make space for the prosthesis. Such activity can lead to subsequent necrosis of the gingival tissue.

Customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps specifically configured to preserve or restore or create (in the case of missing teeth) as much of this gingival tissue, its emergence profile, and other features as possible are disclosed in the inventors' earlier U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/347,127 filed Jan. 10, 2012 and entitled CUSTOMIZABLE SCULPTABLE ANATOMICAL HEALING CAPS, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present application discloses casting jigs, and related kits and methods for use in manufacture of the anatomical healing caps. The casting jigs, kits, and methods advantageously allow a practitioner to manufacture such anatomical healing caps himself or herself. Manufacture may be easily achieved chair-side, on a small scale, or both. Of course, such casting jigs could also be employed in a large-scale manufacture process.

III. Exemplary Customizable Sculptable Anatomical Healing Caps

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various views of an exemplary sculptable anatomical healing cap 130 a configured to fill the emergence portion of a void resulting from removal of an upper central incisor. Sculptable anatomical healing cap 130 a includes an elongate body 132 extending between a proximal end 134 and a distal dental implant insertion end 136. Body 132 may be advantageously hollow, including a hollow channel 138 with open ends and extending generally along longitudinal axis A so as to allow insertion of coupling screw member 140 into hollow channel 138, by which external threads 142 can be coupled into corresponding internal threads of a dental implant 114.

Sculptable healing cap 130 a advantageously includes an enlarged cuff body 144 a extending laterally outward from hollow elongate body 132. In one embodiment, body 132 and body 144 a are integral. In other words, they may be one and the same, such that no separate body 132 is present. This is particularly so where the cuff body 144 a is formed by casting a curable or otherwise settable dental material within a casting jig. Of course, a separate body 132 may be provided in such a casting jig manufactured embodiment, by casting the cuff body about body 132 (e.g., body 132 may initially comprise a straw or temporary abutment inserted into the well of the casting jig, about which the cuff body 144 a is formed. Enlarged cuff body 144 a is disposed between proximal end 134 and distal end 136, and advantageously is shaped, as manufactured, to provide a substantially custom fit so as to fill emergence portion 110 of void 108. In the illustrated configuration, cuff body 144 a includes a subgingival or lower portion 146 a and an exposed or upper portion 148 a. Subgingival portion 146 a becomes inserted within emergence portion 110 of void 108 during use, while exposed portion 148 a resides gingivally above void 108.

Both portions 146 a and 148 a may be shaped to mimic the shape of the natural tooth which may have immediately prior resided within void 108. In particular, subgingival portion 146 a is shaped to mimic that portion of the natural tooth which resides immediately below the gingival surface, so that this portion 146 a mimics the emergence portion including the emergence profile of the natural tooth. In order to mimic the natural tooth contours just below the gingival surface, the subgingival portion 146 a includes an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface which mimic the emergence portion and emergence profile of the natural tooth. This allows portion 146 a to provide substantial custom filling of emergence portion 110 of void 108 resulting from removal of an upper central incisor 102.

Portion 148 a may also be shaped to mimic the shape and contour of the natural tooth, although portion 148 a resides above void 108. The emergence profile is defined by the interface between the subgingival portion 146 a and exposed portion 148 a. In some embodiments, exposed portion 148 a may be omitted, although it may be preferable to include an exposed portion so as to provide a surface that extends somewhat above the gingival tissue around the emergence profile, to better preserve the natural features of the emergence profile gingiva. For example, this provides support structure against which the gingival tissue can be supported and prevented from collapsing, even where the particular person's emergence profile may differ somewhat from the as manufactured subgingival portion 146 a that approximates a custom fit. In one embodiment, the exposed portion 148 a does not extend occlusally to the same extent that a normal natural tooth would. For example, occlusal features, including cusp features of the natural tooth may simply be omitted (e.g., the occlusal or top surface of the exposed portion 148 a may simply be a generally flat surface, with a hole therein where hollow channel 138 intersects the generally flat surface.

In one embodiment, hollow channel 138 of body 132 may be bounded by a cylindrical or other shaped wall, which may or may not extend proximally above exposed portion 148 a.

At least subgingival portion 146 a of cuff body 144 a comprises a sculptable material so that a practitioner can easily remove select areas of portion 146 a, can add to (i.e., build up) portion 146 a with a dental material that will adhere (e.g., a curable dental material), or both so that portion 146 a can be chair-side fully customized to provide an exact, custom fit that fills emergence portion 110 of void 108. Sculptability is advantageous because while the shape and size of the emergence portion 110 of void 108 is more or less the same for different persons for a particular given tooth position (e.g., generally all persons will have very similar emergence portions for their upper central incisors), individual people do vary somewhat from individual to individual, and the ability to easily remove material, add material, or both relative to portion 146 a allows the practitioner to fully customize portion 146 a for a given emergence portion 110 of void 108.

Of course, in some embodiments, more than a single size cuff body may be provided for any given tooth position. For example, children may exhibit differently sized emergence portions as compared to adults for a given tooth position. Similarly, some individuals may have particularly large or small teeth, so that their emergence portions may vary somewhat from the normal or average size. As such, in one embodiment, different sizes (e.g., normal adult size, a “large” adult size, a “small” adult size, and/or a child size) may be provided, such that the practitioner may choose the most appropriate size, which may then be fully customized by sculpting. Such differences in sizing can be provided within the casting jigs of the present invention. Because the cuff body is sculptable, a practitioner may simply add to or remove material as needed to achieve the desired size.

In one embodiment, subgingival portion 146 a may intentionally be sized to be slightly larger than the typical average emergence profile, so that the practitioner may shave or otherwise remove portions therefrom (e.g., with a dental burr, scalpel or other suitable tool) immediately prior to placement. This may be advantageous as it may be easier and less time consuming to typically require removal of material rather than supplementation, where material must be added to fully customize the subgingival portion 146 a. In some embodiments, it may be expected that little or no modification (either removal or adding to) may be required. As such, the size and shape provided is already substantially configured to fill the person's emergence portion 110 of void 108 (with substantially no gaps), providing the same emergence profile as was provided by the natural tooth to thereby support the gingival tissue.

In one embodiment, the subgingival portion 146 a, and preferably the entire cuff body 144 a is therefore not formed of metal, but comprises a material that may be easily and conveniently shaved or cut away, as well as added to. Such suitable materials include any of various plastic materials, dental composite materials, or other materials that can be readily customizable through use of a dental burr, scalpel, or other suitable tool. When manufactured with use of the present inventive dental jigs, cuff body 144 a may be formed from a curable or otherwise settable dental material (e.g., dental composite, etc.) that may be dispensed into the well of the casting jig so as to form the desired cuff body 144 a. In one embodiment a radiopaque filler may be incorporated into the plastic or composite so that the subgingival structures of the healing cap can be viewed by x-ray or other imaging technique. Such materials also advantageously will readily bond to curable or other suitable adhering dental materials applied thereto where it is desired to add size or adjust contour to the as mass-manufactured cuff body. In one embodiment, the entire elongate body and enlarged cuff body may comprise a single piece of material (e.g., plastic or composite material).

In one embodiment, the exterior surface of cuff body 144 a, particularly subgingival portion 146 a, may be treated for stimulation of bone or other tissue growth. For example, the material of body 144 a or portion 146 a may be particularly selected so as to stimulate growth (e.g., a calcium containing material such as hydroxyapatite or similar bone growth promoting material), or the surface may be mechanically (e.g., roughened, smoothed, specific texture patterned), chemically, or otherwise treated to stimulate desired growth. While stimulation of bone growth may be desired, in another embodiment, material selection or treatment may be specifically configured to promote soft tissue growth.

In one embodiment, the distal dental implant insertion end 136 of sculptable anatomical healing cap 130 a may include a locking member 150 with a non-circular perimeter configured for insertion into a correspondingly shaped proximal end of a dental implant 114. In the illustrated configuration, the locking member 150 is hexagonal. Other configurations similarly configured to lock against rotation will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art (e.g., triangular, 4-sided, 5-sided, use of non-circular curved sides (e.g., an oval), combination of straight and curved sides, etc.). This locks the healing cap 130 a against rotation once inserted within dental implant 114. Any suitable anti-rotation locking mechanism, including those proprietary to various dental implant manufacturers within the art, may be employed. Indeed, as will be explained below, the casting jigs of the present invention may provide for the ability to cast such a proprietary shaped locking mechanism as a part of the as manufactured healing cap through use of a corresponding dental implant during casting.

In another embodiment, the distal dental implant insertion end 136 may include a circular locking member 150′ (see FIG. 2F). In another embodiment, no locking member at all is provided (see FIG. 2G). Any such embodiments may be prepared through use of the inventive casting jigs. In the embodiment of FIG. 2G, external threads 142 are simply coupled into corresponding internal threads of dental implant 114, and the shape of subgingival portion 146 a itself can serve to prevent rotation, as this portion is non-circular and engages against the gingival tissue bounding emergence portion 110 of void 108. Other coupling mechanisms between the healing cap and dental implant 114 are possible. For example, the location of internal and external threads may be switched (i.e., internal threads on healing cap, and corresponding external threads on dental implant). Various other suitable coupling mechanisms will be apparent to one of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, a removable grippable handle may be provided at the proximal end 134 of body 132. As shown in FIG. 2H, a grippable handle 152 may be provided. Handle 152 may include a shaft 154 extending laterally outwards from elongate body 132, cuff body 144 a, or both. In one embodiment, shaft 154 may be disposed adjacent the buccal surface of body 132, cuff body 144 a, or both, which advantageously orients the handle in the most suitable position during insertion into void 108. As shown, handle 152 may be generally T-shaped, including a cross-bar 156 atop or near end of shaft 154. Another shaft 154′ may be provided opposite shaft 154, providing two points disposed laterally outward for easy gripping. Shaft 154, shaft 154′ and/or cross-bar 156 provide surfaces that can be easily gripped by dental pliers or another suitable tool available to the practitioner. Shaft 154′ and T-shaped handle 152 may be cast in the inventive casting jig by simply providing these extensions at a top surface of the well used in forming the cuff body, as will be shown and described below in conjunction with FIG. 5. Once the healing cap is placed within void 108, handle 152 (including shaft 154′) may be removed (e.g., cut away).

While the illustrated configuration is shown with cuff body 144 a generally aligned with axis A of channel 138, in another embodiment, the axis A of channel 138 may be offset relative to an axis of cuff body 144 a. Similarly, cuff body 144 a may not be “on center” relative to axis A of threaded portion 142. This may be beneficial where the natural tooth (and thus void 108) is mis-aligned relative to what would be “normal”. Such configurations allow the practitioner to account for such situations.

It will be understood that anatomical healing caps may also be provided for other tooth positions, such as upper lateral incisors, upper cuspids, upper bicuspids, upper molars, lower incisors, lower cuspids, lower bicuspids, and lower molars. It will be apparent that a single configuration may sometimes be suitable for two or more different tooth positions (e.g., a single bicuspid configuration may be used for both first and second bicuspids, a single molar configuration may be used for both first and second molars, a single lower incisor configuration may be used for all lower incisors, etc.). Additional details of the anatomical healing caps are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/347,127 filed Jan. 10, 2012 and entitled CUSTOMIZABLE SCULPTABLE ANATOMICAL HEALING CAPS, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS, already incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate healing cap 130 a of FIG. 2B in combination with a temporary crown form 160 that may be used with the healing cap in chair-side manufacture and placement of a temporary provisional crown or other prosthesis.

FIGS. 1A-1E discussed above show the same steps to be taken when installing the anatomical healing caps. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the tooth is removed, the void 108 is prepared to receive dental implant 114, and dental implant 114 is anchored into the underlying bony tissue of the jaw bone. Rather than installing the cylindrical state of the art healing cap or cuff shown in FIG. 1F, the appropriate sculptable anatomical healing cap is selected (e.g., healing cap 130 a configured for filling the emergence portion 110 of void 108 of an upper central incisor).

The as manufactured shape and contours, which are a very close fit to the actual emergence portion 110 and emergence profile of the void 110 and tooth 102, may be custom modified as shown in FIG. 4A by removing select portions of cuff body 144 a (particularly subgingival portion 146 a) with a dental burr 180 or other suitable tool. As shown in FIG. 4B, if necessary, the practitioner may build up portions of cuff body 144 a (particularly subgingival portion 146 a) by applying and curing a dental material (e.g., light-curable, chemically-curable, heat curable, or other adhering dental material) 182. This is possible because at least the subgingival portion 146 a of cuff body 144 a is formed of a curable or otherwise settable material that is easily removed with the aid of a dental burr 180 or similar tool. Similarly, the material of body 144 a strongly bonds to curable material 182, should such additions be desired. For example, one may employ the same curable or otherwise settable dental material employed in casting the cuff body 144 a in the casting jig to add material, if desired. By removing material, adding material, or both, the practitioner is advantageously able to relatively quickly customize at least the subgingival portion 146 a of the cuff body 144 a so that it provides a perfect or near perfect fit, filling the emergence portion 110 of void 108, with substantially no gaps.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the healing cap 130 a is placed within void 108 so that subgingival portion 146 a fills the emergence portion 110 with substantially no gaps, and provides an emergence profile between the gingival tissue emergence portion 110 that is substantially identical to that provided by the natural tooth prior to its removal. The exposed portion 148 a resides just above the gingival tissue, which is helpful in ensuring that all gingival tissue is fully supported, particularly where there may be some small degree of variability in the contours of this gingival tissue between one patient and another for a given tooth position.

FIG. 4D shows the exposed portion 148 a having been completely removed (e.g., it may be easily cut away with a bun or other convenient dental tools if desired). This view perhaps best shows how the emergence profile 111 surrounding the location where the healing cap 130 a emerges from the void 108 is perfectly or nearly perfectly matched to the gingival tissue so that substantially no gaps are present (compare with the gaps that are common with state of the art healing caps shown in FIG. 1F). Because subgingival portion 146 a is provided with the anatomical shape of the emergence portion 110 of void 108, the various characteristic features of gingival cuff 104 are preserved, including preservation of the full height of contour of gingival cuff 104, the interdental papilla 112, and the buccal prominence 106.

As shown in FIG. 4E, a temporary or provisional crown 190 may be chair-side formed over the sculptable anatomical healing cap 130 a, while preserving access to underlying hollow channel 138 of healing cap 130 a.

When a permanent crown (typically custom prepared in an off-site dental lab) is ready for installation, the healing cap (and any temporary crown formed thereon) may simply be removed from void 108 by accessing coupling screw member 140 through hollow channel 138. The permanent crown may then be inserted within void 108, taking the place of healing cap 130 a. Of course, the permanent crown may be provided with the necessary shape to fill emergence portion 110, so that the gingival tissue surrounding void 108 which has been preserved through the use of sculptable anatomical healing cap 130 a can continue to be preserved.

The use of the anatomical sculptable healing cap provides for the preservation of various gingival features that are characteristic of natural teeth, including the gingival cuff, height of contour, the emergence profile, the interdental papilla, and the buccal prominence. These features are typically progressively lost over the weeks and/or months following first stage treatment where insufficient structure is provided for supporting the gingival tissue at the site where the tooth once was. Use of the healing caps, systems, and methods allow these features to be maintained, rather than progressively lost following first stage treatment and before placement of a custom permanent crown.

III. Exemplary Casting Jigs

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary casting jig 200 for use in manufacture of the customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps. Casting jig 200 includes body 202, which includes one or more wells 204 formed therein. Each well 204 is open at a proximal end 206 and may include a socket 210 at a distal end 208 (FIG. 6). Open proximal end 206 allows introduction of a curable or otherwise settable dental material from which an anatomical healing cuff body (e.g., body 144 a) is formed. Distal end 208 may include a socket 210, which allows a dental implant or dental implant analog 212 to be releasably received therein. Each well 204 includes a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. As described above relative to the anatomical healing caps and cuff bodies, each such corresponding negative shape has an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that an anatomical healing cuff body having said shape (and formed by filling said well with a curable or otherwise settable dental material) is configured to provide substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged from a void or where a tooth would have emerged from a void.

Casting jig 200 is shown as including a plurality of wells, each differently configured. For example, one or more wells may be configured to produce healing caps configured for molar placement, one or more may be configured to produce healing caps configured for bisuspid placement, one or more may be configured to produce healing caps configured for cuspid placement, one or more may be configured for upper lateral incisor placement, one or more may be configured for upper central incisor placement. Similarly, wells may be configured to produce healing caps specifically configured for placement in the various lower tooth positions. By way of example, one casting jig may include all the needed wells for producing all of the upper tooth positions, while a separate casting jig may be provided for producing all of the lower tooth positions. In another embodiment, all positions may be provided within a single casting jig. In another embodiment, only a single well may be provided in a casting jig, specific to tooth configuration. Thus, it will be readily apparent that any number and configuration of wells may be provided within the inventive casting jigs.

While FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which well 204 is vertically aligned over implant or implant analog 212, this is not required. For example, in some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of healing cuff body 144 a (and thus well 204) may be off center and/or out of axial alignment relative to the longitudinal axis of implant or implant analog 212. Such off center or out of axial alignment configurations may be desirable where teeth are crowded, or where space for anchor placement is otherwise not optimal (e.g., where the void for implant placement is not axially aligned and centered below the healing cap to be placed). Such configurations provide flexibility in void preparation and implant placement to the practitioner.

As seen in FIG. 6, implant or implant analog 212 may be retained within socket 210 in the desired position and orientation relative to well 204 by an implant housing 214 that serves as a cage, holding implant or implant analog 212 in place. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 6, casting jig 200 may include an upper portion 216 and a lower portion 218. Upper portion 216, which defines at least a portion of well 204, may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, stone, an elastomeric material, etc.). In one embodiment, upper portion 216 is formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.) so as to provide upper portion 216 adjacent well 204 with the ability to “give”, facilitating easier removal of a cast healing cap (e.g., cap 130 a). In another embodiment, upper portion may comprise a more rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic, stone, metal, etc.). Use of an elastomeric material may facilitate easier removal of cast healing caps from wells 204, and may also prevent or otherwise minimize any tendency of upper portion 216 adjacent wells 204 to chip or crack, which might otherwise tend to occur with some materials (e.g., stone).

Lower portion 218 may be formed of the same or a different material as compared to upper portion 216. In one embodiment, lower portion 218 may comprise a material that is more rigid than upper portion 216. For example, lower portion 218 may comprise stone, metal, or a rigid plastic, while upper portion 216 may comprise an elastomeric material.

Another embodiment may not necessarily include discrete upper and lower portions formed of different materials, but may include an elastomeric material surrounding wells 204 (although the entire upper portion 216 may not be formed of the elastomeric material). In other words, portions of casting jig 200 adjacent to wells 204 (and defining the bounds of wells 204) may comprise an elastomeric material, while other portions of casting jig 200 may be formed of a more rigid material. In one such embodiment, the elastomeric material may be surrounded by the more rigid material.

Implant housing 214 advantageously holds implant or implant analog 212 in a desired position and orientation relative to distal end 208 of well 204. Implant housing 214 may also advantageously allow removal and interchange of one implant or implant analog 212 with another implant or implant analog. For example, there exist scores of dental implant manufacturers, each often including proprietary structural features (e.g., proprietary locking recess shapes). In addition, where a healing cap is to be seated within and coupled to a given implant, the healing cap should preferably have corresponding shaped locking structure to correspond to that of the implant. For this reason, one typically purchases implants and healing caps from the same manufacturer so that they are compatible with one another. Because the present casting jigs allow a practitioner to manufacturer their own anatomical healing caps, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism by which the anatomical healing caps may be manufactured so as to be compatible with a desired manufacturer implant to be employed. Use of the manufacturer's implant or implant analog in socket 210 of casting jig 200 provides the produced healing cap with the desired corresponding locking structure (e.g., locking structure 150 of FIG. 2A).

Implant housing 214 allows one to remove implant or implant analog 212 through an opening 221 in bottom surface 220 of casting jig 200, after which an implant or implant analog of another manufacturer may be inserted into socket 210, housed within implant housing 214. Thus, the practitioner or other user of casting jig 200 is free to employ whichever implant or implant analog manufacturer he or she desires. Placement of the desired implant or implant analog 212 within socket 210 allows one to cast the produced healing cap so as to include the desired locking structure that corresponds to locking recess 225 of implant or implant analog 212.

Separate, specifically configured implant housings may be provided for each implant. For example, the exterior surface and profile of each implant or implant analog 212 may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Thus, a different implant housing may be provided for each manufacturer's implants and implant analogs. Different, specifically configured implant housings 214 may be provided to correspond to each implant or implant analog. For example, an interior profile 222 of a given implant housing 214 may be specifically configured to mate with or otherwise retain the corresponding implant or implant analog 212. The exterior profile 224 of all implant housings 214 may be identical, allowing any of the implant housings to be inserted into socket 210, for use within casting jig 200 for a desired tooth position. Thus, the system allows one to employ any of dozens of various implant or implant analog configurations (e.g., all configured for use with a given tooth position) within the socket adjacent the well configured to produce a healing cap for that given tooth position.

In another embodiment, implant housing 214 may be suitable for use across multiple differently configured implants or implant analogs 212. For example, where implant housing 214 is formed of an elastomeric material, so long as the various implants or implant analogs include roughly similar sizing, the elastomeric deformation ability of the implant housing 214 may allow housing 214 to deform to accept and appropriately “cage” similar, but differently configured implants or implant analogs 212.

The configuration of casting jig 200 thus provides great flexibility in allowing the practitioner to manufacture anatomical healing caps for use with any desired dental implant. All that is required is that the user insert the desired implant or implant analog 212 into socket 210 (with accompanying housing 214), and the formed anatomical healing cap will automatically include the necessary structural features so as to allow its use with that particular implant.

Stated another way, while currently a practitioner is required to purchase healing caps from a manufacturer for perhaps as much as $40 to $80 each, the casting jig allows one to make their own healing caps, reducing the cost of components to be purchased. In addition, the practitioner manufactured anatomical healing caps provide vastly improved results with respect to preservation of the desirable aesthetic gingival features as compared to existing healing caps. All this is possible at substantially reduced cost. For example, a practitioner may make his or her own anatomical healing cap for significantly reduced cost as compared to the large purchase price of an inferior state of the art healing cap.

For example, implants typically include an anti-rotational locking recessed connection 225 (e.g., a hex recess) in the head of dental implant or implant analog 212. No matter the specific configuration of such a proprietary locking recess of a given implant or implant analog, the produced healing cap can be formed so as to include the corresponding mating feature as a result of the locking recess of the implant or implant analog being used to close the distal end of well 204 during casting. In other words, the shape defined by locking recess connection 225 can be cast into the distal end of the manufactured healing cap. By way of example, if a given dental implant or implant analog 212 includes a hex recess (e.g., recessed connection 225), the formed anatomical healing cap will include the corresponding hex locking member 150 (see FIG. 2A) at its distal end, as a result of the curable or otherwise settable material being introduced into the hex recess 225 of the implant as well as the adjacent well 204, disposed thereabove. As will be described below, insertion of an elongate body (e.g., a wrench, a Q-tip, a hollow straw or other suitable tool) can be used to form and preserve a hollow access channel 138 through the practitioner manufactured healing cap to allow subsequent coupling of the produced healing cap to a dental implant with a screw 140.

While shown with implant housing 214, it will be understood that in some embodiments, implant or implant analog 212 may be directly retained by the exterior walls and any retaining features (e.g., a snap fit, etc.) of socket 210. In another embodiment, retention of dental implant or dental implant analog 212 by socket 210 is indirect, (e.g., through implant housing 214), as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 6-7. Other retention mechanisms may alternatively be employed to releasably retain dental implant or implant analog 212 within socket 210, and such mechanisms are within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in one embodiment, the socket may include an elastomeric lining, so as to allow one to simply press a desired implant or implant analog 212 through opening 221 in bottom surface 220 up into position relative to well 204. Such a configuration may appear similar to that shown in FIG. 6, but in which implant housing 214 is glued or otherwise fixedly retained within socket 210. The bottom portion of housing 214 shown closed in FIG. 6 (where the two halves of housing 214 come together) might be open, allowing one to insert therein a desired implant or implant analog 212. The elastomeric nature of such a lining or housing may hold the implant or implant analog 212 in place during casting.

Housing 214 may include a projection (e.g., an annular ring) 226 that snap fits within a corresponding annular groove 228 formed within socket 210 in lower portion 218. Other retention mechanisms for retaining housing 214 within socket 210 will be apparent to one of skill in the art. In a similar manner, interior surface 222 of housing 214 may include a projection 230 configured to snap fit within a corresponding annular groove 232 formed within implant or implant analog 212. Where housing 214 comprises an elastomeric material, no specific coupling structure (e.g., projection 230 and corresponding groove 232) may be required, as the elastomeric characteristics of housing 214 may be sufficient to grip and hold the exterior surface of implant or implant analog 212 in place, particularly once the assembly (implant analog 212 and housing 214) is inserted into socket 210. Similarly, such gripping characteristics of implant housing 214 or of adjacent lower portion 218 may be sufficient to hold implant housing 214 and implant or implant analog 212 within socket 210 by friction fit, so that no annular ring 226 or corresponding groove 228 may be present.

Housing 214 may include a handle adjacent bottom surface 220 or other means to facilitate gripping and removal of housing 214 from socket 210. For example, in the illustrated configuration, socket 210 widens adjacent bottom surface 220 at 234, allowing one to grip the exterior sides 224 of housing 214 and pull it out of socket 210. Such an embodiment may advantageously preserve the ability of casting jig 200 to lay flat (e.g., bottom surface 220), without any handles extending beyond bottom surface 220. Another embodiment may include one or more grippable handles on a bottom surface of housing 214, which handles may be recessed within socket 210, so as to preserve the ability of the casting jig to lay flat.

FIGS. 8-9A illustrate introduction of curable or otherwise settable dental material 236 into well 204. Prior to introduction of flowable dental material 236 into well 204, an elongate body (e.g., wrench 238) may be inserted into screw 140, which prevents flowable dental material 236 from filling threaded portion 227 of implant or implant analog 212. In another embodiment, where no screw is present, the elongate body may be directly inserted into threaded portion 227. For example, elongate body 238 may have a diameter or thickness adjacent its distal end that is sized so as to cover or plug threaded portion 227, while not being so large in diameter or thickness to cover or plug the entirety of recessed connection 225. In either case, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 9A, flowable dental material 236 may be allowed to enter recessed connection 225 so that the produced healing cap includes a hexagonal locking member 150 (or other anti-rotational shape), but in which the central portion of the locking member 150 is hollow, preserving hollow access channel 138 therethrough. FIG. 10 shows a produced healing cap 130 a, in exploded view with coupling screw 140 and implant analog 212. Where a screw is present, the screw may actually become integral with the healing cap, so that it cannot be later removed (e.g., similar to as shown in FIG. 11). Once material 236 is cured, backing out of screw 140 with wrench 238 may serve to unseat healing cap 130 a from well 204.

While the method is illustrated in FIG. 9A with elongate body 238 comprising an implant wrench, it will be understood that other elongate bodies may be alternatively employed. For example, even a Q-tip, an appropriately dimensioned hollow straw, or solid rod may be inserted to achieve a similar result. Where a wrench or other solid elongate member is employed, it may be important that the cured or set dental material 236 not adhere strongly to wrench 238 to allow its removal. Where a hollow straw is employed, removal of the straw may not be required. Once the wrench or other elongate body 238 has been removed, one may employ a dental burr or similar tool to widen central access channel 138, if desired. In another embodiment, one may place a removable collar about elongate body 238 prior to filling well 204, which collar can be removed with elongate body 238 after curing or setting, similarly resulting in a wider central channel 138.

In one embodiment, the elongate body inserted into well 204 may comprise a temporary abutment 238′ purchased from a dental product manufacturer (e.g., the same manufacturer who provided the implant or implant analog). Such a temporary abutment may be configured similar to body 132 shown in FIGS. 2A-2E. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 9B. The abutment 238′ may already include any needed locking structure (e.g., hex head 150) corresponding to recess 225. Thus, in such a case, the introduced curable or otherwise settable dental material 236 need not enter into recess 225 (which recess may conveniently be entirely blocked by corresponding locking structure already disposed on temporary abutment 238′, and seated within recess 225 implant or implant analog 212).

In other words, temporary abutment 238′ may be used as a core around which the anatomical healing cuff body 144 a is cast within well 204. The abutment 238′ may be coupled to implant 212 by screw 140. In another embodiment, no screw may be employed. Where screw 140 is present, the screw may be removed through channel 138. Thus, in this embodiment, screw 140 may not become bonded and integral with cured or set dental material 236 of the anatomical healing cap. Use of a temporary abutment may be particularly suitable when producing anatomical healing caps having relatively large, wide healing cuff bodies (e.g., bicuspids or molars). For smaller teeth, one may find the temporary abutment to large to be readily insertable into well 204 while allowing introduction of curable or otherwise settable dental material 236 therearound. For example, many such commercially available temporary abutments include some lateral extension beyond the simple cylindrical core body 132 shown in FIGS. 2A-2E (e.g., compare FIG. 9B). A straw configured as cylindrical core body 132 could similarly be employed.

FIG. 9C shows another alternative similar to that shown in FIG. 9B, but in which temporary abutment 238″ is of a lower profile, so that it does not extend out the top of well 204. In order to preserve an access channel 138, wrench 238 is inserted therein, after which the curable or settable dental material 236 is introduced into well 204. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, removal of screw 140 may be possible following fabrication of the anatomical healing cap.

Examples of such temporary abutments that may be used as a core about which an anatomical healing cuff body is formed are available from various manufacturers, including Glidewell Laboratories, located in Newport Beach, Calif. Such temporary abutments employed as a core may be formed of any of various materials (e.g., including, but not limited to plastics, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), metal, ceramic (e.g., alumina, zirconia), etc.). Such temporary abutments may be formed by any suitable technique (e.g., casting, molding, machining, etc.)

In some embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9A), a screw may engage threaded portion 227 of implant or implant analog 212. An implant wrench may be inserted in conjunction with such a screw to preserve an access channel 138. Such a screw may be retained within the produced healing cap, providing a healing cap with a screw already incorporated therein. In one embodiment, the head of any such screw may extend through the length of any locking member (e.g., 150) to reinforce this otherwise relatively thin neck region of the produced healing cap. For example, one may simply back a typical coupling screw out a couple of turns or use a screw that is sufficiently long so as to extend through the narrow neck associated with locking member 150, into body 144 a. Such an embodiment including a longer screw is shown in FIG. 11. An example of such a screw 140′ may include an enlarged head 240, an undercut central portion 242 of decreased diameter relative to the enlarged head, and a distal threaded end 244, in which the threaded end defines a diameter that is intermediate the diameter of the enlarged head and the central portion. Such screw configurations (or backing out of a standard coupling screw, which is relatively shorter) reinforces the more fragile portion of healing cap 130 a to prevent a break from occurring adjacent locking member 150.

Any suitable curable or otherwise settable dental material may be employed. Examples of such composite materials include, but are not limited to, glass ionomer cements, zinc polycarboxylate cements, and acrylic based curable compositions, for example, ACCESS CROWN, available from Centrix, located in Shelton, Conn. In one embodiment, the curable or otherwise settable dental material may comprise a radiopaque filler, e.g., a zirconia filled dental composite material. In addition to zirconia fillers, fillers including compounds of lanthanum, strontium, barium, zinc (e.g., zinc oxide), or combinations thereof may also be provided in order to provide radiopacity.

In one embodiment, radiographic and/or position markers may be incorporated into the anatomical healing cap 130 a. For example, such markers could be inserted into a well of a casting jig, which marker may become incorporated into the resulting anatomical healing cuff body that is cast. In another embodiment, such markers may be included within a temporary abutment employed as a core about which the anatomical healing cap is formed. The markers would thus become a part of the healing cap. Such markers may be used to determine orientation, position, or other spatial information through a digital scanning or imaging process (e.g., CT scan, ultrasound, etc.) of the patient. Such markers may comprise any of the described radiopaque materials described above, or other suitable radiopaque materials (e.g., radiopaque metal alloys).

While it has been described that the casting jig may be employed to manufacture anatomical healing caps, and such manufacture may be achieved chair-side, it will be readily understood that a practitioner may choose to manufacture any number of anatomical healing caps prior to needing them, thus, “chair-side” is to be broadly construed, including where one may manufacture the anatomical healing cap prior to requiring its use. For example, a practitioner may choose to manufacture a small inventory of anatomical healing caps, which are kept and used as needed. That said, many curable or otherwise settable dental compositions cure or set up within about 3 minutes or less, such that true chair-side manufacture of a desired anatomical healing cap is certainly possible.

Another embodiment may not necessarily employ a socket at a distal end of the well configured to releasably receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog. For example, for manufacture of a pontic 130 a′, no coupling to a dental implant is needed. Thus, one may simply cast a desired pontic having the shape of the anatomical cuff body, and the pontic may be positioned into the prepared void in the patient's jaw bone (without the need for any anchoring implant). The pontic may rather be anchored to adjoining teeth on one or both sides of the pontic. Such pontics would be similar to the described healing caps, but would not require any mechanism for coupling to a dental implant. In addition, because no coupling to an implant is required, no central access channel 138 may be needed. Thus, the pontic may be solid, without any hollow access channel. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 12.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thus, the described implementations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A casting jig for manufacture of customizable sculptable anatomical healing caps, the casting jig comprising: a body including one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position, each respective anatomical healing cuff body negative shape having an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that said shape provides substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged from the void or where a tooth would have emerged from a void; and a socket at a distal end of each well configured to releasably receive therein a dental implant or dental implant analog; wherein at least an upper portion of the body of the casting jig surrounding the one or more wells comprises an elastomeric material to facilitate easier removal of a manufactured anatomical healing cap; and a dental implant or dental implant analog releasably received within an implant housing, which housing is inserted through an opening in a bottom surface of the casting jig to position the dental implant or dental implant analog so that it is releasably received within the socket of a corresponding well of the casting jig; and wherein a lower portion of the body of the casting jig surrounding the implant housing comprises a different material.
 2. The casting jig as recited in claim 1, further comprising a dental implant or dental implant analog releasably received within the socket of at least one of the wells.
 3. The casting jig as recited in claim 2, wherein the dental implant or dental implant analog is accessible through an opening in a bottom surface of the casting jig opposite the proximal end of the well to allow removal of the dental implant or dental implant analog through the opening in the bottom surface of the casting jig.
 4. The casting jig as recited in claim 3, wherein the dental implant or dental implant analog is received within an implant housing that is insertable into the opening in the bottom surface of the casting jig to allow dental implants or dental implant analogs of different manufacturers to be interchangeably releasably retained within the implant housing.
 5. The casting jig as recited in claim 4, wherein the socket of the casting jig releasably retains the implant housing with a snap fit.
 6. A method of manufacturing anatomical healing caps, the method comprising: providing a casting jig of claim 1 and introducing a curable or otherwise settable material into one or more of the wells; and allowing the curable or otherwise settable material to cure or set so that the cured or set material is in the shape of an anatomical healing cuff body having an asymmetrical cross-section and an irregular surface so that the anatomical healing cuff body having said shape provides substantially custom filling of at least an emergence portion of a void where a natural tooth once emerged from the void or where a tooth would have emerged from a void.
 7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the curable or otherwise settable material introduced into the well comprises a radiopaque filler.
 8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the radiopaque filler is selected from the group consisting of zirconia, lanthanum, strontium, barium, zinc, and combinations thereof.
 9. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the dental implant or dental implant analog includes a recessed connection in a top surface of the dental implant or dental implant analog, the recessed connection including a non-circular perimeter so as to lock with a correspondingly shaped locking member inserted into the recessed connection of the dental implant or dental implant analog.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising placing an elongate body and/or a screw into the recessed connection in the top surface of the dental implant or dental implant analog prior to introducing the curable or otherwise settable material into the well, the curable or otherwise settable material being introduced around the elongate body so as to prevent the curable or otherwise settable material from completely filling a space occupied by the elongate body so that the anatomical healing cuff body includes a hollow channel therethrough to preserve access to the dental implant.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the elongate body does not completely fill the recessed connection so that the curable or otherwise settable material fills a perimeter of the recessed connection about the elongate body so that the resulting anatomical healing cuff body further includes a locking member with a non-circular perimeter configured for insertion into a correspondingly shaped proximal end of the dental implant or dental implant analog to allow the cuff body to matingly couple with the recessed connection of the dental implant or dental implant analog.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the elongate body preserves a hollow channel through a central portion of the locking member of the healing cuff body: to allow insertion of a coupling screw into the hollow channel and through the locking member so that the healing cuff body can be threadably coupled to a dental implant or dental implant analog; or where a coupling screw is inserted into the recessed connection in the top surface of the dental implant prior to introduction of the curable or otherwise settable material, the screw becoming integrally bonded with the resulting healing cuff body, the hollow channel allowing insertion of a wrench for coupling the integral screw into a dental implant.
 13. A kit for use in manufacture of anatomical healing caps, the kit comprising: a casting jig of claim 1 and a curable or otherwise settable material for introduction into a well of the casting jig to form an anatomical healing cuff body.
 14. The kit as recited in claim 13, further comprising one or more elongate bodies for placement into a recessed connection in a top surface of the dental implant or dental implant analog or a coupling screw therein when forming an anatomical healing cuff body so that the formed anatomical healing cuff body includes a hollow channel that preserves access to the recessed connection of the dental implant or dental implant analog.
 15. The kit as recited in claim 13, wherein the curable or otherwise settable material comprises a radiopaque filler.
 16. The kit as recited in claim 15, wherein the radiopaque filler is selected from the group consisting of zirconia, lanthanum, strontium, barium, zinc, and combinations thereof. 